James Franklin, the former head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, has begun a new chapter as the head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies in Blacksburg, Virginia. After more than 11 seasons at Penn State, Franklin was dismissed following a disappointing 2025 season that ended with a record just above .500 and a coaching change.

At ACC Media Days on Thursday, July 16th, 2026, Franklin expressed confidence in his new program, claiming to have "all the pieces in place" for success. However, his comments resonated with Penn State fans who recall his tenure marked by underwhelming performances against top-tier opponents. Franklin was notably 4-21 against top-ten teams during his time at Penn State and secured only one Big Ten title in over a decade.

Despite these challenges, Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech represents a fresh start for the 54-year-old native of Pennsylvania. His arrival was celebrated in a press conference alongside university officials, signaling high hopes for the Hokies’ future. Yet, some fans remain cautious, drawing parallels between his optimistic offseason statements and past seasons that failed to meet expectations.

Franklin’s history includes memorable moments such as a 33-24 victory over Indiana at Beaver Stadium, celebrated with a hug from Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft. Still, the overall legacy at Penn State is mixed, contributing to the skepticism surrounding his current claims of "winning the offseason."

Sources